Gamecocks Pick Up Three MOPs Against No. 1 Georgia

BISHOP, GA – The No. 2 South Carolina Equestrian team (2-1, 1-1) faced No. 1 Georgia (3-0, 1-0) on Friday, putting up a strong effort against the Bulldogs but ultimately falling 13-6 on their home territory. Despite the loss, the Gamecocks took home three of four available MOPs, with sophomore Amira Kettaneh sweeping Flat and Fences and junior Alexis Potts earning the first of her career in Horsemanship.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The day started off in Fences, with the Gamecocks taking the event 3-2. Kettaneh picked up the first point of the day with her ride on Tito, defeating Liza Cram with a season-high 87.5-85 and receiving her first MOP of the season. Alyssa Bauer followed suit, earning her point on Perry to defeat Ella Witt by a massive 10-point spread, 85.5-75.5. Natalie Jayne rounded out the scoring for South Carolina on Camboro, bringing in a season-high 86.5 to take down Tessa Brown’s 83.5.

Over in Horsemanship, the Bulldogs answered back, finishing 3-2 in the event to make things even (5-5) going into the half. Alexis Potts was the first to get on the board for the Gamecocks, edging out Ava Hathaway 76-75 on Cowboy. Potts picked up an MOP for her ride, and her 76 was the highest score of the day in Horsemanship on either team.

The second half started out on the Flat, with Georgia coming out on top 3-1. Kettaneh earned the lone point for the Gamecocks, defeating Parker Cliff 89-80.5 for a season-high score and the second MOP of the season for the sophomore. Jayne earned a new season-high of 92 on Corvich, but tied with Kingsley Dey for no point.

In Reining, the Bulldogs swept 5-0. Newcomer Emily Patton made her South Carolina debut, scoring a 72.75 on Gambler. Olivia Cardi and Haley Turner picked up new season highs, earning a 73 and 72, respectively.

UP NEXT

South Carolina will stay on the road, facing No. 9 UC Davis on Friday, Oct. 24 at 3:00 p.m.